They assist our communities in recovering from natural disasters. They work with local hospitals experiencing staff shortages, such as took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. They assist in public health emergencies. And when called upon, they fight on the front lines to help secure our nation’s freedoms.

They are the 3,900 members of the West Virginia National Guard. And on Tuesday, they celebrated the organization’s 386th birthday.

These “citizen-soldiers,” as they are known, are among the most highly-trained military members in the world. In fact, members of the Guard’s 150th Company C, 1st Battalion, 150th Aviation Regiment based at the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport flew some of the most important missions in Iraq and Kuwait during the War on Terror.

Wheeling City Council recently proclaimed Dec. 13 as “Army National Guard Day” in the city. That’s a deserving note of thanks for many who give of themselves to assist during times of need.

In making the proclamation, city leaders said they encourage “all citizens to recognize and honor the sacrifices and valuable contributions the National Guard makes to protect the freedom, democracy and security of our city, state and nation.”

Indeed.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ty Miller, also a former member of the Wheeling Police Department and a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, attended the event along with Sgt. Andrea Gump and Staff Sgt. Cody Gray. The trio presented the city with a flag flown during a mission in Iraq.

Miller was the pilot for that mission.

“I’m incredibly grateful to live, work and serve in a community that positively supports one of our state’s greatest and strongest organizations,” Gump said.

We’re grateful, as well, for your service to West Virginia and our nation.